NDA gives notice for adjournment motion over Buta letter

National Democratic Alliance members of Parliament on Monday gave notices for an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha against the recommendation made to Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for the transfer of a railway official by Bihar Governor Buta Singh.

Notices have been given, among others, by Bharatiya Janata Party deputy leader in Lok Sabha, by BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra, party vice president Sushil Kumar Modi and Janata Dal-United leader Prabhunath Singh.

"We've also given notices to raise the issue during zero hour and for suspension of question hour. We are waiting for the speaker's ruling," Malhotra told PTI after a 30-minute-long meeting of NDA leaders chaired by leader of opposition Lal Kishenchand Advani.

However, NDA sources said the alliance leaders wanted the motion to be taken up only on Tuesday as many of its MPs have not returned to the capital after the three-day weekend beginning Raksha Bandhan festival on Friday.

JD-U leader Nitish Kumar, and Biju Janata Dal leaders D K Tripathi and B J Panda were among those who attended the meeting.

Describing as "highly improper" the Bihar governor's recommendation for transfer of a railway official, BJP had demanded his recall to ensure free and fair polls in the state.

"It was highly improper for the governor to have written to the Railway Minister Lalu Yadav. Both are getting postings and transfers of their choice done through each other. The upcoming assembly elections cannot be free and fair in such circumstances," Malhotra said.